What if your campsite came with purpose, community, and a deeper connection to nature? When you spend part of your summer volunteering in a campground, you help people feel at home in our parks while living closer to the landscapes you love.
Alberta Parks hosts are volunteers who help create memorable experiences for park visitors while supporting the day-to-day operations of campgrounds and facilities. Living on-site for placements ranging from four weeks to four months, hosts serve as friendly ambassadors offering guidance, sharing local knowledge, and promoting responsible recreation. Their presence enhances visitor enjoyment and contributes to the protection and stewardship of Alberta’s natural spaces.
Volunteer hosts have been supporting Alberta Parks for over 40 years and give more than 30,000 hours of their time annually. This is your opportunity to join a group of enthusiastic campers who are united by a passion for both recreation and conservation.
The responsibilities of a host can vary based on the unique qualities of each site. The experience can also change over the course of a placement due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife, weather, and people. However, all hosts share the following key responsibilities:
Hosts are expected to volunteer at least five hours a day, five days a week, often including weekends. Time is spent on a combination of both active tasks, such as tidying campsites, and more passive activities, like greeting visitors. Many hosts choose to exceed the minimum hours by being available to answer questions at their campsite throughout the day. Daily tasks and days off are scheduled with the host supervisor based on the operational needs of the campground or facility.
Placements vary in length from four weeks to four months depending on the site and availability of hosts. Specific placement dates vary for each campground or facility.
All first-time hosts are required to attend the Host Orientation in early May. This annual training session is designed to familiarize hosts with their role. It covers essential information applicable to all hosts, regardless of the campground or facility where they volunteer. It also provides an opportunity for volunteers to meet, socialize, and foster a sense of community among fellow hosts. Complimentary camping is offered at the park for the event, and lunch and refreshments will be provided daily.
At the start of the placement, hosts also participate in site-specific training to welcome them to the park, introduce them to the staff they will be connecting with, and review essential health and safety information.
Applications to join the Host Program for the 2026 season are now closed. The next application period will be in February 2027 for placements during the 2027 camping season. Check back then to learn more about available host sites and to apply.
Plan ahead for next season! Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified when applications open each year and to receive more information about becoming a host volunteer.
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The Alberta Parks Host Program is overseen by Molly Wreakes, Parks Volunteer Services Coordinator, and Drew Delbaere, Parks Volunteer and Program Development Lead. If you have any questions about the program or becoming a host, please contact us.
Forestry and Parks
Parks Division, Volunteer Services
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 587-756-1343
